The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1887-06-18

Mount WASHINGTON, June Sth, 1887.
1t is part of the eternal ftness-or perhaps what
a wag called the eternal cussedness-of things that
the men and women most keenly in sympathy with
the beauties of nature are precisely those least
favored with opportunities for travelling. Some of
them lack the leisure, many more lack the means,
and others again are burdened with responsible
ties which render prolonged absence from home
impossible. ----------------
But after all the Baltimorean never need go far
from home to see the beauties of nature. No town
in this favored State has so many charming spots
located at its very doors. Hills and dales, rip
ping streams bosky des and leafy glades, fowery
meads and purling brooks are to be found in any
and every part of Baltimore county, and the
"stay at home" can only complain of one thing
the embarrassment of choice, the embGrrds de
riche8ses as the French have it.
It is not surprising that Mount Washington and
the Green Spring Valley are increasing so rapidly
in favor as locations for summer residences. Some
pretentious residences contributing an air of
suburban dignity to Mount Washington, but the
general air of rural simplicity and quiet secusion
is not likely to be impaired for many years to come
Especially is this true in the surroundings of
Lake Roland. Every one is familiar with the lake
as one of the sources of Baltimores water supply,
but only favored and discerning few of the vast
throng of Baltimoreans are familiar with the
natural beauties of a spot not ten miles from the
City Hall. From the time the Northern Central
Railroad leaves the city suburbs at Woodbury. it
enters on region Astounding with picturesque
bits and hills, daes, rocks and running brooks
worthy of place in any sketch book. The writer,
after twenty years devoted to sketching from
ture, has found more variety around Mount Wash
ington and Lake Roland than in any place he has
visited. Commencing with the lake itself it may
truly be said that it is beautiful in every aspect
and at Ovory hour of the day. Although in one
sense artificial sheet of water all trace of the
art involved in its construction has been oblitera
ted by the prodigal growth of nature. Even the
dam, over which the waste water tumbles into the
classic Jones's Falls, is so constructed as to be
rather an adjunct to the scenery than a defect
The willows, beneath which the angler for carp
and bass sits at eventide waiting for capricious
favors, compose admirably with the tranquil ex-
panse of water and the verdurous promontories
that jut out everywhere. twas old Isaak Walton
who said reverently of simple berry, Doubtless
God might have created better berry, but doubt
less God never did," The Almighty hand might
possibly have laid out fairer spot for the water
supply of great city, but it seems hard to believe
that it ever did.
Yes, an evening at Lake Roland is very enjoy
able break in the monotonous whirl of every day
life. If the visitor is acquainted with any of the
local residents, of whom certain number are priv
LEGGED to keep boats on the lake, he can enjoy
on its quiet waters, and it may be confden-
TALLY whispered in this connection that the young
ladies of Mount Washington and the vicinity are
quite distinguished for their good looks, intel
ligence and vivacity as their parents are for re-
spectability and hospitality. Music on the waters
is one of the staple attractions of Lake Roland.
Not music of the accordeon-Mikado-rolly polly
order, but genuine, sweet music that finds its way
beneath the second vest button of a sentimental
young man before he has realized that Irritation
is dangerous pastime and that the preacher is
apt to aid and abet the young ladies in their de-
signs on the hearts of eligible strangers.
There are half dozen railroad stations within
few minutes walk of different parts of the lake.
Mount Washington is favorite point of access
and the half mile walk to the lake will not be re-
GREETED if only for the charming approach through
Lake Roland avenue. The next station-Hollins
is junction of the Green Spring branch, which
runs through lovely scenery and leaves the lake at
o point where Jones's Falls empties itself at the
western end. Close by this spot is Bare Hill,
whose sterile crest contrasts singularly with the
surrounding fertility and in whose depths are
stored valuable mines of copper. Hollins Station
is on the eastern margin of the lake and is the
most convenient point of access. Half a mile
further up on the main line of the Northern Gen.
trail Railroad are two other stations, established
for the convenience of local residents At Rux-
ton, two miles from Mount Washington, the lake
receives its other feeder, Roland Run.
For the past eight months improvements have
been rapidly carried on under the supervision of
Mount Washington. Judge Wm.- A. Fisher, of
Baltimore, and his brother, Mr.. c. D. Fisher, have
purchased about two hundred and twenty -fve
acres of land in the vicinity the old Hiser
estate. The Hiser house has been pulled down
and six new houses are being erected, which are
expected to be completed by the middle of July.
The houses are SO located that each purchaser can
chose as much of the surrounding land as he de-
sires. There no restrictions, except as to the
outbuildings and the water rights, the latter of
which are reserved to prevent pollution of Roland
Run. The houses are in different styles, Queen
Anne being the prevailing type. They contain
from ten to fourteen rooms with all modern appli-
ances and improvements Each house is supplied
with water by ram from natural spring. Two
of the houses have already been purchased one
by Mr.. Philip Hiss, Jr., and the other by Prof.
Hugh Newell, of Baltimore. All are located on
commanding points, within half mile of Ruxton
Station, and most convenient roads have been
graded and completed to the doors of each under
the supervision of Mr. Jackins. The architects
are Messrs. Wyatt & Sperry, and the builder, Mr.
c. E. Coster, all of Baltimore. One of the houses
will be occupied by Judge Fisher till the seventh
is built for his special accommodation. The view
from the old Hiser orchard, on which this house
will stand is very beautiful, and the view to the
northward extends along Roland Run and its
wood heights for many miles.
Returning to Mount Washington by lovely
stroll along the lake, the visitor can scarcely
alize that he is within few miles of populous
city. Joness Falls receives all its pollutons be-
low this point and at Mount Washington it is as
picturesque stream as the artist could desire, fed
by tiny streams which trickle down the hillsides,
FLASHING over rocky boulders and overarched by
dense growths of underwood, willows and alders.
The railroad conveniences for approaching Lake
Roland from Baltimore have already been adver-
ted to and it only remains to add that this charm
ing district may be reached with equal facility by
the excellent turnpikes leading from the Monu
mental City. MAX.